Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or simply enjoy the occasional craft drink at home, knowing your cocktail glassware is key to elevating presentation and flavor. The right glass doesn’t just look elegant—it complements the unique character, aroma, and temperature of each cocktail. Here’s a guide to the most popular types of cocktail glasses and the drinks they’re designed for.
Martini Glass
The martini glass features a wide, V-shaped bowl atop a long stem. Its design keeps drinks cool and shows off clear, spirit-forward cocktails like martinis and cosmopolitans. The open rim enhances aroma while the stem ensures you’re not warming the drink with your hand.
Coupe Glass
A coupe glass has a broad, shallow bowl with a stem, offering a vintage touch. It’s ideal for cocktails served “up” such as Manhattans, sidecars, and some daiquiris. The bowl gently supports foam and garnishes, spotlighting the drink’s color and scent in every swirl.
Highball Glass
The tall, slender highball glass is built for refreshing mixed drinks with plenty of ice and mixers—think gin & tonic, vodka soda, or rum & coke. The vertical shape maintains carbonation and lets you layer flavors for longer, thirst-quenching sips.
Old Fashioned (Rocks/Lowball) Glass
Sturdy and short, the Old Fashioned glass (or rocks glass) is used for drinks served over ice, such as the classic Old Fashioned or a Negroni. The wide rim is perfect for muddling ingredients, and the thick base offers stability for stirring and sipping.
Margarita Glass
With its distinctive double-bowl design and a stem for temperature control, the margarita glass offers plenty of space for blended or shaken margaritas as well as festive salt or sugar rims. Its broad opening allows for creative garnishing.
Hurricane Glass
Curvy and capacious, the hurricane glass is built for vibrant tropical drinks like hurricanes, piña coladas, and mai tais. Its dramatic silhouette holds lots of ice and accommodates generous fruit garnishes.
Coupe Balloon (Copa) Glass
Recognizable by its large, rounded bowl and short stem, the balloon copa glass excels at highlighting the botanicals in gin and tonics. Its size allows plenty of ice and fruit, while the shape concentrates aromas beautifully.
Shot Glass
Compact and sturdy, shot glasses are made for quick sips of straight spirits, layered shots, or measured cocktail ingredients. Their thick base ensures they’re easy to handle—no matter what you’re pouring.
Flute Glass
The flute’s tall, slender design is engineered for bubbly. It retains carbonation, concentrates aromas, and showcases sparkling wine or cocktails like the French 75 with effortless elegance.
Less Common but Noteworthy Glasses
- Nick & Nora Glass: Think of it as a smaller, more rounded coupe. Ideal for spirit-forward cocktails.
- Moscow Mule Mug: Made of copper with a handle, specially designed for the Moscow Mule, it keeps the drink icy cold.
- Pint Glass: Often used for beer, but also seen in serving larger drinks or mixed punches.
- Tiki Glass: Decorative and themed, used for fun tropical drinks and punch bowls.
- Collins Glass: Tall and narrow, slightly larger than a highball; Signature drinks: Tom Collins, Mojito, Gin Fizz; the taller, slender form makes it ideal for cocktails loaded with ice and mixers, offering a refreshing experience from first sip to last.
Choosing the Right Glass for the Right Drink
Selecting the proper glass isn’t just tradition—it really does heighten your cocktail’s flavor and visual appeal. Stocking your bar with a variety of glasses ensures every guest gets the full experience, from a frosty margarita to a classic whiskey neat.
Whether you’re building your home bar or just want to impress at your next gathering, knowing your glassware helps you drink not only with style—but with substance.
Teaser image: MART PRODUCTION